What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing memories, trauma, and negative beliefs. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help rewire how the brain stores painful experiences.


What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR therapy is highly effective for processing distressing memories and trauma. It is commonly used to treat:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Healing from past traumas, including abuse, accidents, and combat experiences.

Anxiety & Panic Disorders – Reducing fear, intrusive thoughts, and physical symptoms of anxiety.

Depression – Addressing negative core beliefs and emotional wounds contributing to depression.

Phobias & Fears – Desensitizing fears linked to specific experiences or triggers.

Grief & Loss – Processing unresolved grief and painful emotions tied to loss.

Attachment Issues – Healing from past wounds that impact self-worth and connection with others.

Performance Anxiety – Enhancing confidence in work, school, or public speaking settings.

Stress & Burnout – Helping regulate emotional overwhelm and build resilience.

Chronic Pain & Somatic Symptoms – Addressing the emotional components of pain and body tension.



Expectations

EMDR follows an 8-phase approach to ensure safe and effective processing:

History & Assessment – Understanding your background and determining if EMDR is the right fit for you.

Preparation – Teaching coping skills and creating a safe space for emotional regulation.

Assessment – Identifying distressing memories, negative beliefs, and target areas for reprocessing.

Desensitization – Using eye movements or tapping to reduce emotional intensity of the memory.

Installation – Strengthening positive beliefs to replace negative ones.

Body Scan – Ensuring the body is free from residual distress linked to the memory.

Closure – Helping you return to a calm state after each session.

Reevaluation – Reviewing progress and addressing any remaining concerns.

Please note:
* 90 minute weekly sessions are most effective when in stage 4 and 5 or two 60 minute sessions.
* This is an intensive therapy that is not meant to be long-term.
* Dedicated time and consistency are necessary for treatment success.

Before starting, I will assess whether EMDR is appropriate for you, ensuring you have the right support and tools in place for a safe healing process.